County to have H1N1 vaccine clinic Monday

Leavenworth County announces plans to hold its first 2009 H1N1 influenza A virus flu clinic from 4-7 p.m Monday at the Leavenworth County Health Department. The initial clinic is only for healthcare workers who have direct contact with patients.

Because early supplies of the vaccine are limited, the health department is following the Kansas Department of Health and Environment’s strong recommendation that initial vaccine be prioritized for healthcare workers with direct patient contact.

County officials said Wednesday that any remaining vaccinations from Monday’s clinic and future shipments of the vaccine would be used to inoculate the next priority groups — children between 2 and 9 years old and pregnant women.

As more of the vaccine becomes available, Leavenworth County will be conducting other public vaccination clinics and also will be distributing the vaccine to private providers who have agreed to administer the H1N1 vaccine.

Both the nasal mist vaccine and an injectable vaccine are expected to be available. The nasal mist contains a live, but weakend form of the virus. The inoculation contains an inactivated virus.

To receive the vaccine, each healthcare worker will need to bring an identification card or their license to verify that the person is a healthcare worker.

KDHE has established a phone number for concerned Kansans to call with questions about H1N1. The toll-free number is (877) 427-7317. Operators will be available to answer questions from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Persons calling will be directed to press “1” on their touch-tone phones to be directed to an operator who can answer questions.

Local H1N1 information will also be posted on the Leavenworth County website at www.leavenworthcounty.org.